The left is the French king – ‘fleur de Louis’ heraldry on red sleeve – and right is Spanish king with orange sleeve with ‘castle-leo’ heraldry. And this handshake had happened in 1659. The origin of handshake was to proof that there is no weapon in their hands – well, it was one condition before the friendship, really.

I looked in my collection for any African hairstyles with combs – not from Africa, but I found this one from the French island of Martinique in the Caribbean Sea. This lady’s fabric decoration is connected to her hair by a slim comb.

In the exhibition of “Origins of the Afro Comb”, you can learn about modern Afro Combs which are used to celebrate African identity of emancipated slaves in those Caribbean islands as well as in the USA and Europe.

The last stamp which is showing a Telegraph key – this one shows the history of telecommunications, all-in-one. The aerial in front of the dome is called a Helical antenna, which was built for High frequency radio communications before the usage of satellites.

I like this way to apply the traditional printing method of intaglio, for picturing the historical and the latest technology, together with lots of stars ( and satellites ) in the sky. Designed by the same engraver as this stamp, one of my top favourites.

The autumn colour in England is prominent this year. We drove through Essex and Suffolk last weekend and found a lot of sparkling red and yellow trees, such as Maple, Beech and Oak. Horse-chestnuts were unfortunately turned into brick-brown during the summer, by a kind of harmful caterpillar.

Now, finally the huge London Plane Tree leaves start to change their colours. When they are have all fallen, the pavements will be covered by crisp brown leaves and sky above will be opened up to winter blue. Then, only Holly and conifer leaves will be left in the chilly air.

They are both common trees in Europe. Oak is widely used for furniture and building materials, whilst on the other hand Horse-chestnut, which is popular in parks and on roadside greens, is rarely used for furniture or other purposes.

Yesterday and today are the world premiere of ‘The Adventure of Tintin – 3D‘ – the movie is shown in the cinema from tomorrow. I watched YouTube clip of the trailer, also the channel 4 feature… well, rushing to a cinema? Ummm… I realised that I am a fan of those distinctive black line drawings and well-chosen colour compositions. I am not sure if I am keen to watch the 3D. Is it a too conservative opinion? Should it be good because it is directed by Steven Spielberg?

This stamp does not show the name of the rider pictured, but it is Eddy Merckx who won the World Championship in 1971. Shortly after the launch of this stamp, he also won the Tour de France of 1972, for the third time.

On the contrary to this feature, I am enjoying the absence of the ‘superstar’ in the Tour de France 2011 – stage winners are honestly talking about the support they have received from team mates, and I like the modest comments by Thomas Voeckler, who has kept his Maillot jaune for nine days. I am now a great supporter of his – why not a French winner after 26 years of foreign riders winning?

A prominent ironwork on top of a traditional farm house – was weathervane. Before the weather forecast was developed, people try to read the weather by the wind and clouds, to plan their day.

Since the Tour de France started, I am concerned about the weather in France – today, those tough guys had to ride against heavy rain and strong side winds. Cavendish had won his 18th stage champion – with clenched teeth!

A retrospective of Paul Gauguin is starting tomorrow at Tate Modern in London. In relation to this, there are TV and radio programs, talking about this artist’s life – it seems a lot of people think he was immoral. Perhaps we have to see his works, to judge if he was a bit out of the way or was lucky to have a different approach to others of that time.

The title of this picture ‘Arearea’ means joyousness in Polynesian language. Interpretation of the original by engraver is very interesting – it was a challenge within limited printing colours as well, and it is done really well.

I feel really tired today and realise that I drive meanly. Not allowing anyone cuts in, didn’t give way when one was wanting to cross. Then I saw this stamp, picture from Henri Rousseau – ah, this is it! A little devil sitting in my car, doesn’t allow me to be generous…

The original picture was painted in 1908, now owned by Musée de l’Orangerie. This intaglio interpretation is nicely done, trying to evoke its original’s atmosphere.

It is said ‘Autumn is for Art’ in Japan. Hot summer has finally gone and people start to read again and go to museums. It was really too hot this summer to think – well, I have just experienced two weeks of it, and it was enough.

I visited Notre Dame de France in Soho, after reading about a fresco by Jean Cocteau. Drawings are free, poetic, calm but somehow humorous. He also made a fresco in the church of Milly-la-Foret near Paris, where he spent his last years, and two years before he died he designed a stamp. I love this stamp and its chic lightness, which contrasts with the country’s heavy history.

This stamp is celebrating the 10th anniversary of international conference of forest. I had impression that forest occupies a great part of counrty life of France and people think it has to be managed for future generations, as the words on this stamp suggest. Not just timbers for industry, but variety of lives and rich produce of food is still very much appreciated, picked and sold in open air markets, which are opened in every towns and cities.

Cycling environment in France is advanced to compare to our situation in Britain. Cycle lanes are well laid and sign posted both in towns and countryside, maintained. Maps are nicely produced and effortless to follow scenic routes. Especially I enjoyed hilly countryside of Poitou-Charentes nead Confolens – small beautiful river views and picturesque villages, as this stamp depicted.

This postman stamp is another example of Intaglio print, which I enjoy a lot with magnifier.

Christmas Day. To whom not really religious or not Christian, this day in the UK is for family gathering, eating and drinking. Yes, I am full!

This stamp is named ‘gastronomie française’ and shows lobster, roasted meat with gravy, wine, variety of cheese and ‘petit fours’. I am glad this is not multi coloured – otherwise I do not want to see this today.

It seems celebrating a Stamp Show for children in Cholet. But I cannot figure out meatningful connection between Hoop ( and a stick? ), bicycle and a pigeon ( maybe ) with scary eye. Colours, sepecially little but strong Orange, and their balance between White is appeal to me more than its meaning.